Gavin Newlands, the MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire North, is urging his constituents to consider applying to the Heritage Lottery Fund for community projects which aim to help local people learn more about World War I.

HLF is making at £1 million per year available until 2019 as part of their ‘First World War: Then and Now” programme for small community grants. It provides grants of £3,000 to £10,000, which enables groups right across the UK to explore, conserve and share their WWI heritage and deepen their understanding of the impact of the conflict.

Since April 2010, HLF has awarded over £70 million to more than 1,300 projects – both large and small – that will mark the centenary of WWI. If a group have a project idea to mark the centenary of WWI, an online application pack is available on the HLF website.

Urging constituents to take advantage of this exciting opportunity, Gavin Newlands MP said:

“I am delighted that the Heritage Lottery Fund is making this money available to local communities in Renfrewshire. Like many areas across Scotland and throughout the UK, the impact of WWI on Renfrewshire was extensive.

“For those who want to find out more about its legacy, or who wish to mark the centenary of WWI in their communities, I would urge them to get in touch with Heritage Lottery Fund.”

Lucy Casot, Head of the Heritage Lottery Fund in Scotland, added:

“The impact of the first World War was far reaching, touching and shaping every corner of the UK and beyond.

“The Heritage Lottery Fund’s ‘First World War: Then and Now” programme will enable communities to explore the continuing legacy of this war and help young people in particular to broaden their understanding of how it has shaped our modern world”.